New Chinese drywall worry: Radiation - Kansas City Business Journal:

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The Los Angeles Times ran an investigative story revealingthat phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate fertilizer production, is commonly used in some Chinese-mader drywall. Phosphogypsum is foundc in abundancein Florida, where the bulk of Chineser drywall complaints have been logged. A white powderhy substance, it is piled along the highwaya ofCentral Florida’s Bone Valley-Fort Meade where fertilizer is made. It is different from normal gypsum, a mineral-like substance that can come from mineas or as a residuefrom coal-fired powerf plant air pollution scrubbers. But, phosphogypsum is banned as a buildinhg product in drywall inthe U.S.
So far, limite d tests by state and federal authorities have not founxd it in anyproblem drywall. “Phosphogypsum is bannesd in theUnited States, and we do not use said Nancy Spurlock, spokeswoman for domesti manufacturer , which has a large productiob facility in Apollo Beach, near The has received about 500 complainta of Chinese drywall in homes, with the majority in Soutj Florida or Southwest The problem drywall has been associated with metap corrosion in air conditioners and electrical wiring, odor and health complaints.
Susan press secretary for the department, said Tuesdayu there has been no evidence of elevated levelas of radiation associated with Chinese drywall in only normalbackground levels. But, the state’zs tests have been severelu limitedso far. Samples taken from four homes earlief this year showed higher levels of sulfur compounds in Chinese drywall compared todomestic brands, and which was not found in domestic brands. Furthe test results on indoor air sampling at several homes are expecteds laterthis month. The and have also been involvedr inthe investigation.
Regarding phosphogypsum, Smith said she can’t speculat e about its presence but, “I can [say] we are lookinyg into this issue with ourfederal partners.”